Perceptions of effectiveness and preferences for design and position of signage on Victorian beaches for the management of hooded plovers 'thinornis rubricollis'

Threatened species signage is frequently used to help protect species by limiting human occurrence or altering damaging human behaviour, yet is rarely developed using a scientific approach that involves collecting data from the key target audience in regard to their preferences for signs and placement of signs. We surveyed members of the beach-going public (n = 684) to document their preferences for desirable features and positioning of signage to protect threatened beach-nesting birds. The results suggest a preference for information relating to education and persuasion over details of regulation. However, preferences differed between recreational user groups, suggesting that target audiences should be identified specifically and prioritised. We also describe clear preferences between four candidate signs, which will facilitate a more informed choice of signage for beach-nesting bird management.